Elida runs past Riders in the rain 34-14

September 21, 2013

ST. MARYS — Elida used a huge game on the ground from quarterback Logan Alexander to stop a two-game losing streak in a 34-14 win over St. Marys at Skip Baughman Stadium on a deluged Friday night.

Now the Bulldogs will have to find a way to win without their sophomore signal caller next week.

Alexander ran the read-option keeper perfectly time and time again to the tune of 174 yards rushing and four touchdowns for three quarters, but the sophomore was ejected from the game on an unsportsmanlike penalty in the closing seconds of the third quarter. Ohio High School Athletic Association rules mandate that players ejected from games sit out the next contest, as well. Elida is scheduled to play Van Wert next week.

After Elida (2-2, 1-2 WBL) scooped up St. Marys’ onside kick attempt following a Roughrider touchdown that drew them to within 34-14, both teams picked up offsetting penalties. Alexander’s drew the ejection. A play later, Elida’s Quinn Searcy was ejected from the game after another episode after the whistle.

Elida head coach Jason Carpenter wasn’t pleased.

“A win is a win, but I’m not happy with the way we reacted on a few plays,” Carpenter said. “Getting a couple of kids kicked out, that aspect I’m not happy about.”

Former quarterback and wideout Clark Etzler, who started a couple games at QB to begin the 2012 season, ran the Elida offense in the fourth quarter and will be called upon to do it again next week.

As for what went on between the whistles, Carpenter saw his team take a step forward. Elida rushed for 249 yards while a Bulldog defense that was shredded for 396 rushing yards the week before against Wapakoneta only gave up 170 yards on the ground and 235 yards in total offense.

“The defense responded well,” Carpenter said. “But there are some things we need improve on. They played better. And we’re going to have to play better if we want to put together some wins here. It’s good to come out of here with a win. We’re going to have to regroup, fill in some holes and get better.”

St. Marys fullback Trent Wale led the Riders with 74 yards rushing on 19 carries. Chase Roop had 43 yards rushing and 37 yards receiving. Trent Slife added 35 yards rushing on six carries to go with the touchdown.